Irish Dance Trivia Quiz

Answer: jig shoes

Irish dance shoes for light dancing (reels, light jigs, slip jigs) are made of soft, black leather. They resemble ballet shoes, but with a criss-cross lacing pattern. The shoe must fit very snuggly so the dancer can show off arching of the foot during the dance.

Answer: clogs

The shoes used to perform hard shoe dances have evolved over the years and now include hi-tech, fiberglass tips for better sound. Some dancers wear fancy buckles on the shoes.

Answer: The CharLady

The traditional sets are all very old tunes and were a part of early Irish dance history. These are usually performed at fast tempos.

The CharLady is a set dance, but not a traditional one - it was composed in 2010 by Michael Fitspatrick.

Answer: square dance

Although it originated in 17th century England, the square dance also became popular as an American country dance, which is believed to have originated from Irish ceili dancing brought over by Irish immigrants.

Answer: Dublin

For the first ten years of the Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne, the event was held in Dublin. After that, it has been held in different cities around the world - including a couple of times in the USA.

Answer: 2001

All qualifiers from the cancelled 2001 event (including my daughter), were allowed to compete in the 2002 World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

Answer: solo dress

The solo dress is made from elaborate materials and each one is unique. Usually reserved for the highest levels of competition, a dancer is sometimes recognized by her dress since they are all unique. The solo dress is very expensive and there is a huge second-hand market for out-grown dresses.

Answer: Oireachtas

Oireachtas, which is pronounced "or-oc-tass", is a huge competition. In North America, they are separated by region. There are formulas which are used to compute the qualifiers for World and North American championships.

Answer: Book of Kells

"The Book of Kells" is from the mid-eighth century. It is currently on display at Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland.

Answer: Michael Flatley

Michael Flatley has definitely had the most influence in the popularity of Irish dancing through "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance". The other fellows listed are also North American Irish dance masters and have been quite instrumental in their own right! Michael Flatley is also a fabulous flute player!